Islam for Children
The Qur'an is the Muslim's holy book. It is the word of Allah (God) as told to the prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The Qur'an is the word of God as it was given, in Arabic. Muslim's believe that it is the most important book in the world. It is not
translated except for study, and people learn it in Arabic.
There is a set of rules for dealing with the Quran.
- Before one touches the book one must must
perform ritual washing or ablution i.e. beginning with the intention of
ablution and the washing of the face, followed by the washing of 2 hands up
to the elbows, to be followed by washing part of the head and finally the
washing of the 2 legs up to the ankles.
- Muslims
are to listen in attentively whilst the Qur'an is being read.
For
the ease of reading so that we can pay attention to the meanings of the
Qur’an) a special book stand (rihal) is used to keep it of the floor in
respect of the Holy Book.
There are various customs in different areas - these include:
- The Qur'an is covered with cloth to keep it clean and protect it.
- It is keep on a high shelf with nothing above it.
- Before some readers will read it they touch their forehead
with the book and kiss the cover.
The
Quran was given to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh - peace be upon him) over 23
years (13 years whilst he was in Makkah and 10 years while he was in
Medinah). The longest chapters are at the beginning of the Holy Book
and the shorter ones at the end of the Quran.
Children start with memorising the smaller chapters at the end.
The first chapter is recited in every prayer. It is as important to Muslims
as the Lords prayer is for Christians. It can be translated as follows:All praise is for God, the Lord of the worlds, The most kind, the most
merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement, You alone we worship and You alone we
ask for help.
Guide us along the straight path,
The path of those whom you rewarded,
not those who earned your anger, nor those who went astray.
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